US flavour experts McCormick have published their annual report predicting the “Tastes of Tomorrow”.
The much-anticipated 2016 Flavour Forecast reveals the tantalising trends that will shape culinary exploration and innovation – in home kitchens, at restaurants and on retail shelves – across the globe for years to come. Among the emerging trends is a spotlight on under-explored South East Asian fare – Malaysian and Filipino – and the evolution of our insatiable appetite for spicy. Also featured are pulses which serve as a protein-packed canvas for delicious flavours – fitting as the United Nations celebrates 2016 as the International Year of Pulses.
“Since its inception in 2000, Flavour Forecast has been tracking the growing interest in heat and identifying upcoming spicy flavours including chipotle, peri-peri and harissa,” says McCormick executive chef Kevan Vetter. “Our latest report shows the next wave of this trend is complemented by tang. Look for Southeast Asian sambal sauce powered by chillies, rice vinegar and garlic to take kitchens by storm.”
Emerging Trends and Flavours Identified by a global team of McCormick chefs, food technologists and flavour experts, these trends offer a taste of 2016 and beyond:
1.Heat & Tang
Spicy finds a welcome contrast with tangy accents to elevate the eating experience.
• Peruvian chillies like rocoto, ají amarillo and ají panca paired with lime
• Sambal sauce made with chillies, rice vinegar and garlic
2. Tropical Asian
The vibrant cuisine and distinctive flavours of Malaysia and the Philippines draw attention from adventurous palates seeking bold new tastes.
• Pinoy BBQ is a popular Filipino street food, is flavoured with soy sauce, lemon, garlic, sugar, pepper and banana ketchup
• Rendang Curry is a Malaysian spice paste, delivers mild heat made from chillies, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, tamarind, coriander and turmeric
3. Blends with Benefits
Flavourful herbs and spices add everyday versatility to good-for-you ingredients.
• Matcha’s slightly bitter notes are balanced by ginger and citrus
• Chia seed becomes zesty when paired with citrus, chilli and garlic
• Turmeric blended with cocoa, cinnamon and nutmeg offers sweet possibilities • Flaxseed enhances savoury dishes when combined with Mediterranean herbs
4. Alternative “Pulse” Proteins
Packed with protein and nutrients, pulses are elevated when paired with delicious ingredients.
• Pigeon peas, called Toor Dal when split, are traditionally paired with cumin and coconut
• Cranberry beans, also called Borlotti, are perfectly enhanced with sage and Albariño wine
• Black beluga lentils are uniquely accented with peach and mustard
5. Ancestral Flavours
Modern dishes reconnect with native ingredients to celebrate food that tastes real, pure and satisfying.
• Ancient herbs like thyme, peppermint, parsley, lavender and rosemary are rediscovered
• Amaranth is an ancient grain of the Aztecs, brings a nutty, earthy flavour
• Mezcal is a smoky Mexican liquor made from the agave plant
6. Culinary-Infused Sips
Three classic culinary techniques provide new tastes and inspiration in the creation of the latest libations.
• Pickling combines tart with spice for zesty results
• Roasting adds richness with a distinctive browned flavour
• Brûléed ingredients provide depth with a caramelized sugar note
